What is actually happening
When a full cycle runs to the end and the clothes are still dirty, the usual reason is that the water never got hot. A machine can complete a program perfectly while running cold, so nothing looks wrong. Detergent residue left on clothes points the other way — at a rinse or drain problem rather than heating.
The usual causes
- A failed heating element, so every wash is effectively a cold one
- An overloaded drum, leaving no room for clothes to move
- A blocked detergent drawer, so the detergent never reaches the drum
- A drain or rinse fault leaving dirty water in the load
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Feel the door glass twenty minutes into a hot wash — it should be warm
- Check the drawer and its housing for a solid build-up of detergent
- Wash a half load and see whether the result changes
Still not washing properly?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not washing properly?
The cycle completes but the washing comes out no cleaner than it went in. When a full cycle runs to the end and the clothes are still dirty, the usual reason is that the water never got hot. A machine can complete a program perfectly while running cold, so nothing looks wrong. Detergent residue left on clothes points the other way — at a rinse or drain problem rather than heating.
Can I fix a washing machine not washing properly myself?
Feel the door glass twenty minutes into a hot wash — it should be warm. Check the drawer and its housing for a solid build-up of detergent. Wash a half load and see whether the result changes. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine not washing properly?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics